It lives!: PlayStation Network back online

Yes, it’s true: Sony has finally got the PlayStation Network back on its feet, almost a month after a security breach forced the company to pull the plug. Any users signing in now will be asked to download a firmware patch 3.61 and change their password.

Writing on the PlayStation Blog, a relieved Director of Communications Patrick Seybold urged PS3 owners (or those that haven’t converted to an Xbox 360, at least) to “enjoy some games.” While a full restoration of the PSN won’t be completed until the end of May, online gaming is now available in the United States, Europe, Japan, Australia, and the Middle East. Finally, PS3 gamers can get their Portal 2, Brink, and Mortal Kombat on!

April’s hacking of the PlayStation Network resulted in the personal data of 77 million users being compromised, potentially exposing details of around 12.3 million credit cards. Game makers have also felt the pinch, with Street Fighter and Resident Evil creator Capcom stating it had lost “hundreds of thousands, if not millions of dollars in revenue.”

Then there’s the damage done to the PlayStation brand – rebuilding consumer trust may take a long time, and a second similar hack could have even graver consequences for Sony. For many gamers, however, the worst is hopefully over.

Scroll down for Sony’s statement on the revived PSN:

“We have been working on a new PS3 system software update that requires all PSN users to change their password once PlayStation Network is restored. The update (v3.61) is mandatory and will be available soon.

“If using a PS3, your password can only be changed on your own PS3 (or a PS3 on which your PSN account was activated), as an added layer of security. If you have never downloaded any content using your account on the system, an email will be sent to the registered sign-in ID (email address) associated with your account when you first attempt to sign-in to PSN. This e-mail will contain a link that will enable you to change your password. In this email, click on the link and follow the instructions to change your password. Once you have changed your password you can sign-in to your account using your new password.

“We strongly recommend that all PSN account holders with PS3s update their systems to prepare for when PlayStation Network is back online. The release of this update is a critical step as we work to make PlayStation Network significantly more secure. Thank you for your continued support and patience.”